Observer electronic-reporting
on board fishing vessels
Trials in FSM and RMI in 2013
Options for 2014
February 20 2014
WCPFC, Pohnpei
Malo Hosken
(Consultant to SPC)
eTUBS – TUBS web platform project
The ‘original’ TUBS (MS Access)
E-reporting System- eTUBS
• This web based data entry system is visually
appealing and user friendly
• Observers showed high appreciation of using
this system of data recording
• Multiple data entry checks allowed for
mistakes to be spotted and rectified: PS-4
calculations and PS-2 Positions entries.
Trainings
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Trainings were conducted one on one
Between four to six days
Observers used they previous workbook
The quiet environment of the conference
room was adequate
• Trainees helped each other at one stage which
was helpful
Hardware
• Three TOSHIBA laptops 15”screen size with
number key pad – Dual core i5 – 4Gb Ram
• Laptops were sturdy, but perhaps too bulky
– 13” screen laptops could be tested
• Computer generated interest by crew on some
vessels - laptops were kept in lockers at all
times.
At sea conditions
• Observers spent on average 1.5 hours a day to
enter their data in eTUBS
• Observers felt safer recording data
electronically (ie. Password protected)
• Observers with own cabin performed better
using eTUBS
Data export
• Under the download tab in eTUBS
– the full report JSON file - 1 mb
– trip positions KML file - 96 to 120 kb
• KML file can be opened with google earth,
shows a mark for each activity. Fishing sets
marked red.
• Data export from vessels was not tested
Data debriefing
• Conducted by debriefers over one to two days
• Corrected workbook was checked against
eTUBS data
• Audited electronic data was assimilated into
the TUBs regional database at SPC.
• Electronic debriefing tool being developed to
debrief electronic trials completed by
observers
Data quality
• DQ was high for the seven trips
• Observers used TUBS as a data verification
tools
• ‘Scores’ were over 90%
• Journals and trip reports were clear and
readable in electronic format – easy to share
amongst management staff
Summary
• Five observers were trained to conduct on-board
trials of eTUBS and TUBS.
• 7 e-reporting trips were conducted
• ROP minimum standards were collected on the
workbook and entered in eTUBS.
• Observer journal and trip report were also
electronically written in MS Word format.
• Electronic data export is a simple process and
data was sent via email and uploaded to DB.
Typology of the ‘e-observer’
• Computer literacy is the principal skill needed.
• Observers should be assessed for their computer
skills and/or provided basic computer training.
• Since this type of reporting involves the use of
expensive computer equipment, the observers
should have a good track record of professional
conduct.
• The work longevity of the observer is not a big
factor in using eTUBS.
2014
• Continue and expand trials (NFAs- SPC).
• Ensure NFAs are equipped with TUBs database
system to access electronic-data
• Keep developing eTUBS
• Trial eTUBS on long line vessels
• Produce standards by the end of the year
Building Capacity
• Observers who have conducted trials have a good
understanding of the process and implications of
electronic reporting and are seen as valuable
resources for future trainings.
• In view of a large-scale implementation,
electronic reporting coordinators would need to
be designated and trained to deal with this new
form of reporting.
Test new hardware platforms
• eTUBS was operated under Windows 7 pro
and Windows 8 pro.
• Windows 8 pro can be run on specific brands
of tablets and smart phones.
• These smaller platforms could also be tested.
• Keyboard and keypad still useful however.
• Select and use a single platform for large scale
implementation.
Refine trainings and trials
• Training methods and materials can be refined
• Explore options for providing basic computer
training to observers
• Trial e-debriefing tools
• Trial observer data upload from vessel to
shore (encrypted)
• Trial USB key ‘booting’
• Trial TUBS on LL vessels
Thank you
Questions
Vessel E-reporting
Smart PDF – same layout as RPL
eTUNALOG
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Data entered by captain or officers
Position data entry checks
Automated catch totals
By catch reporting
Clear layout, manager interface.
Organized folder system and back up system
2013 trials
• Ten trips were conducted on six vessels
• Three versions were trialed
• Updated TUFMAN in NFAs allowed importing
e-log data
• Generated interest in the fishing industry
• Easy learning curve (same content/layout)
Data transmission
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Using vessel email
For NFAs and SPC: XML format – 5 to 15kb
For companY: PDF format – 4 to 8 kb
Daily, weekly, end of trip
Communication costs reduced
Data integration
• NORMA and MIMRA are currently able to
upload eTUNALOG data into their national
TUFMAN databases
• A log sheet is automatically audited in steps
before staff authorize integration
• Currently still need stamped log sheet to
finalize data integration
2014
• Expand trials to US fleet with trials in AS
• NFAs encouraged to work with national fishing
companies
• Ensure NFAs can import e-log data correctly
• Trial digital signature options
• Trial eTUNALOG for LL vessels
Thank you
Questions